Rare Giant Map of New South Wales by Dixon, 1837: Sydney, Newcastle, Counties

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with "This Map of the Colony of New South Wales, Exhibiting the Situation and Extent of the Appropriated Lands," crafted by the esteemed Robert Dixon in 1837. This map stands as a monumental achievement in scientific cartography, marking the transition of New South Wales from a penal colony to a thriving society of free settlers. With exquisite engraving and vibrant coloring, it delineates the ‘Nineteen Counties,’ the officially sanctioned settlement areas, and serves as a master plan for the region's development. This piece is not merely a map; it is a historical blueprint of a burgeoning society.

Robert Dixon, the Assistant Surveyor General of New South Wales, was a pivotal figure in the creation of this map. His adventurous spirit and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the comprehensive representation of cadastral and settlement information. Dixon's efforts, supported by trigonometric surveys conducted between 1828 and 1834, laid the groundwork for accurate land management and planning. His collaboration with Joseph Cross, a boutique printer in London, ensured the map's publication and dissemination, making it an invaluable resource for settlers and government officials alike.

The map's design is a testament to the artistry and precision of 19th-century cartography. Every line and color choice reflects the geographical and socio-political landscape of New South Wales during its formative years. Rivers and mountain ranges are meticulously depicted, offering a glimpse into the natural features that shaped the colony's development. Roads and tracks weave through the landscape, connecting settlements and illustrating the infrastructure that supported the colony's growth. This attention to detail not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also its utility as a planning tool.

Historically, this map is significant for its role in resolving land disputes during a period dominated by settlers known as 'squatters.' The strategic delineation of the ‘Nineteen Counties’ was a crucial move to control and manage settlement expansion. By providing accurate cadastral data, the map facilitated a structured approach to land ownership and development, encapsulating the administrative evolution of New South Wales. It is a window into a pivotal era, detailing the transition from a penal colony to a structured society based on land ownership.

The map also highlights the burgeoning cities and towns that would become the backbone of modern New South Wales. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the emerging settlements of Newcastle and Wollongong, each location is marked with precision. The map captures the essence of a society in transformation, where new towns and infrastructure were being built, and exploratory missions were undertaken. It is a celebration of progress and a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and settlement that defined the early years of Australian history.

Cities and towns on this map

• Sydney
• Newcastle
• Wollongong
• Maitland
• Bathurst
• Goulburn
• Parramatta
• Windsor
• Campbelltown
• Liverpool

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical Features:
• Rivers and waterways
• Mountain ranges
• Infrastructure:
• Roads and tracks
• Land divisions and county boundaries
• Land Use:
• Cadastral divisions indicating land ownership
• Historic Context:
• Depicts the strategic delineation of the ‘Nineteen Counties’
• Reflects the era of land disputes and settlement expansion

Historical and design context

• Creation Date: 1837
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Robert Dixon, published by Joseph Cross
• Significance: First comprehensive cadastral map of the ‘Nineteen Counties’ in New South Wales
• Design/Style: Exquisitely engraved and colored, reflecting both political and physical geography
• Historical Transition: Marks the transition from penal settlement to free settler society
• Scientific Cartography: Based on trigonometric surveys conducted between 1828 and 1834

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the undefined version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.